:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66978790/1178473519.jpg.0.jpg)
With Spring Training 2.0 set to begin in a matter of days, the COVID-19 pandemic is still ravaging the United States. Inevitably, it has stricken the Marlins, challenging their preparation for the 2020 MLB season.
Insider Craig Mish reported Wednesday night that two members of the club—including one player—tested positive.
One player on the Miami Marlins has tested positive for Covid-19. A Marlins staff member has also tested positive, both at the Jupiter complex. The player, and staff member are both asymptomatic.
— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) June 25, 2020
“The player has not been at the Marlins’ Jupiter complex since the first week in June,” Mish continued.
The implication here is that the player had a mild case and could be ready to rejoin the Marlins in time for next month’s Opening Day. If not, the team could place him on the newly created COVID-19 Related injured list. Unlike the typical IL, there is no minimum or maximum stay.
After initially having some success against COVID-19 (relative to other states), Florida is currently trending in the wrong direction. More than 5,500 new cases were reported on Wednesday. Nonetheless, Major League Baseball and the Marlins remain committed to playing all of their regular season home games at Marlins Park. Miami-Dade County mayor Carlos A. Gimenez hasn’t ruled out the possibility of allowing fan attendance (with appropriate social distancing), per Andy Slater.
In more mundane yet significant news, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com describes catcher Jorge Alfaro and right-hander Ryne Stanek as being recovered from their oblique and back injuries, respectively. However, right-hander Jeff Brigham (biceps) “could still be a while away from returning.” Back in February, Brigham was my dark horse pick to earn a high-leverage relief role in 2020.